If you’re thinking about leaving teaching because you are starting to feel like teaching just isn’t sustainable anymore:
- the long hours
- unrealistic expectations
- growing class sizes and
- never-ending admin
You’re not alone! So many teachers find themselves loving the work with children but dreading everything else that comes with the job. This happened to me, quite early on in my career. I wasn’t burned out by workload or behaviour management, like so many teachers are these days, but I did feel undervalued, micromanaged and stretched so thin that my weekends disappeared into planning and paperwork. Just one year after qualifying, I found myself thinking about leaving teaching. At that point, I was determined this would not be my career until retirement. I got out and started supply teaching. If you’ve read any of my other posts you will know that this was just the beginning of my journey.
Just as I did, twenty four years ago, many thousands of teachers are thinking about leaving teaching and are quietly exploring alternative career paths. New careers that utilise their skills, that are not only transferable but deeply valued. Roles where they can still make a lasting difference in a child’s life. But a role that comes with more support, flexibility, and often better pay and perks.
In this post, I’ve gathered some of the most popular private childcare career options that former teachers (like me!) are now thriving in. These roles keep the heart of teaching alive, but in environments that respect your time, expertise, and wellbeing. You’ll find links to deeper blog posts for each option, so you can learn more and start imagining your next chapter with clarity.
Governess – Rediscover the Joy of Teaching Without the Burnout
If you’ve ever wished you could slow down and really focus on one child at a time, tailoring your teaching to their unique needs, interests, and pace, then the governess role might be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
Never heard of it? Neither had I back in 2010. As a governess, you’re not juggling a class of 30, writing endless reports, or managing behaviour issues with little support. Instead, you’re offering high-quality, child-led education in a one-to-one or small group setting, often in the comfort of a family home or while travelling the world. It’s an opportunity that came my way whilst I was happily working as a supply teacher.
Being a governess or governor, is still teaching, but without the politics, paperwork, or pressure. The families that hire governesses or governors, want someone with the educational expertise to support their child’s academic progress and the personal touch to help them grow in confidence and character. That’s why teachers are so in demand for these roles. You already have the skills, you just need to reframe them for a more bespoke, high-trust environment.
My more detailed post breaks down exactly what a modern governess or governor does, the types of families who hire them, and how your classroom experience gives you a strong head start. Read the full post here: What Is A Governess or Governor – Why Teachers Make The Best Ones
Private Tutor – A Focused, Flexible Way to Keep Teaching
After leaving the classroom, I became a supply teacher, working day to day in different schools, often five different schools in a week. I really enjoyed it and quickly found a group of regular schools to work in. But to be honest, I took a bit of a pay cut and so to top that up, I started tutoring. My favourite part of teaching was the actual teaching after all. I loved the one-to-one, tailored support I could give and the joy of helping a child finally “get it”. So if you are thinking about leaving teaching and this sounds like you, then private tutoring might be the perfect fit.
As a tutor, you get to do what you love without the chaos of the classroom. No behaviour management or endless meetings. No marking 30 essays at midnight. Just focused, meaningful academic support, often in a calm, respectful home environment.
Some families need a few hours a week. Others hire full-time live-in or travel tutors, especially in VIP households. It can be online or in-person. The flexibility is real, and so is the earning potential.
But is it better than becoming a governess? That depends on your lifestyle, your teaching style, and how involved you want to be in a child’s broader development. In this post, I compare the two roles, so you can decide which one fits your goals and your future in my blog post: Private Tutor vs. Governess: Which Role is Right for You?
Nanny – A Softer, More Child-Centred Career Path
Many former teachers, probably haven’t thought about becoming a nanny. To be honest, the thought never crossed my mind either. But roll on to 2008, eight years after I qualified, I had my first taste of nannying. It was a short holiday nanny role and I loved it. For many teachers, becoming a nanny feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s a chance to focus on caring for children without the constant pressure of targets, testing, or behaviour management.
As a nanny, your role can vary widely, from helping with school runs and meals to supporting emotional development and learning through play. It’s less about paperwork and more about presence. You’re there for the everyday moments that help children to thrive.
Teachers and childcare students often make fantastic nannies because they bring a deep understanding of child development, structure, and communication. Families notice that and value it highly.
To learn more about the different nanny roles out there and to see if nannying could be your next chapter, check out my blog post, How To Become a Nanny- What Teachers and Childcare Students Need to Know
VIP Nanny / Working for High Net Worth Families – Behind the Scenes of Luxury Childcare
Once you’ve gained experience working as a nanny for local family households, it’s natural to start exploring what other opportunities exist. You may start to explore the exclusive world of VIP or high net worth households. If you’re curious about what it’s like to nanny for royalty, celebrities, or ultra-wealthy families, this post gives you a peek behind the curtain. Read the full bog post: Working for High Net Worth Families – Governess or VIP Nanny
VIP nannying offers a whole different pace and lifestyle. You might find yourself jetting off to the Maldives one month, helping organise a themed birthday party the next, all while supporting the same core goal: high-quality, trusted childcare from someone with real expertise.
These roles often come with incredible perks:
- luxury travel
- generous salaries, and
- respect for your professional background (especially if you’re an ex-teacher)
But they also demand discretion, adaptability, and the ability to maintain boundaries in high-pressure, high-expectation environments.
Rota Nanny or Governess – The Role That Blends Intensity with Freedom
If you’re craving more time off, more travel, or simply a different rhythm to life, rota roles might be exactly what you didn’t know existed. If you have already heard of them, you may also be aware that they are highly sought after. I’m currently in one myself.
Rota nannies and governesses typically work in shifts. The most popular rota shift pattern is two weeks on, two weeks off. One week on and one week off are also quite popular and is my preferred rota. Whichever rota pattern you follow, you rotate with another professional to ensure 24/7 coverage for the parents. So whilst you’re on shift you are 24/7 although you will be asleep for some of that. If you are in charge of toddlers or babies, you’d be expected to be there if they wake up in the night. During your “on” time, you’re fully immersed in the child’s routine, often living in and supporting every aspect of their development and care.
The trade-off? When you’re off, you’re truly off. Many rota professionals use their extended breaks to rest, pursue hobbies, travel independently, or even run side businesses.
These roles are usually found in high net worth households that require round-the-clock care with seamless handovers between staff. So if you’re highly organised, adaptable, and love the idea of intense work blocks, followed by generous downtime, then rota work could be your perfect fit. It certainly works for me and I really enjoy it! For a deeper understanding of the rota role, check out my blog post: What Is a Rota Nanny or Governess? Inside the Role, Schedule and Lifestyle
Where to Go From Here – You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
Choosing your next step after teaching can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re discovering roles you never even knew existed. Whether you’re still researching or you’re ready to take action, I’ve created resources to guide you at every stage of your journey.
If you’re just starting out, grab my free mini guide to understand the basics and get your bearings. When you’re ready to go deeper, join the waitlist for my full Teacher to Governess Roadmap. This will give you a step-by-step path to transition with confidence, from finding the right role to preparing for interviews and landing the job.
